Animated sequels are a tough thing to pull off, as animated movies generally tend to be good one-shot vehicles but fall short on the second go around. Only Toy Story 2 has seemingly been the only film that has escaped the trap. Its also been one of the few that actually saw a theatrical release.
Following the continued adventures of Boog the bear (Mike Epps) and Elliott the deer with one and a half antlers (Joel McHale), the first film wasnt well received the first time in theatres with Martin Lawrence and Ashton Kutcher in the lead roles, respectively. Wisely the sequel, with less of a plot and lesser actors, has gone direct to DVD and like any direct to DVD animation its pretty awful.
This time around Elliott is about to marry when one of the creatures is taken back into civilization by its owner. Elliott, who is scared about the concept of being with one woman forever, leads the crew on a trip to find them that culminates with them invading a dog park to try and save the day.
The film is about as awful as the plot dictates, as it doesnt even bother trying to appeal to anyone over the age of 10, and as such anyone over that age will be progressively bored and agitated by it. The film tries to be comedic but is a kids film whose comedic skills are only truly viable amongst its intended audience.
It does have a comically entertaining performance from Crispin Glover as a poodle antagonizing Boog, Elliott and the rest of the forest creatures, but the film is as bad as one expects. Its perfect for children, obviously, but is not a true family comedy.
Presented in a Dolby Digital format with a widescreen presentation, the films animation is as strong as anything animated that has come out in theatres recently. The effort was put in to make it look and sound top notch.
There are several games for the children to play in The Game Zone.
Going Wild! With the voice cast is the typical EPK piece featuring the cast.
Music Video for “Who Let the Dogs Out” by Baha Men is included featuring animation from the film.
How to Draw Boog, Elliott and Fifi is a how-to piece by Sean Mullen, storyboard artist on the film, on how to draw the characters. Even though it was computer generated, they did have to draw the characters by hand and he gives you an idea on how to do so.
Deleted Scenes are included but not completely animated. In storyboard form, with the voices of the cast, nothing of note wouldve been added back into the film with their inclusion.
Previews for The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep, Monster House, Surfs Up, Open Season, Gym Teacher, Holly Hobbie and Playmobil: The Secret of Skull Island.
Direct-to-DVD animation as a rule is generally awful and this doesnt do anything to change it. Open Season 2 was only crafted because Open Season made enough money to justify another cash grab. Recommendation to avoid.
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Sony presents Open Season 2. Directed by Matthew OCallaghan and Kirk Bodyfelt. Starring Billy Connelly, Mike Epps, Joel McHale, Jane Krakowski, Crispin Glover. Written by David I Stern. Running time: 76 minutes. Rated PG. Released on DVD: 1.27.2009. Available at Amazon.
